Experimental investigation of mechanical and morphological characteristics of epoxy-based composites reinforced with Carica Papaya fiber

The increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials has driven significant research into natural fiber-reinforced composites. Among these, Carica papaya fibers have emerged as a promising candidate due to their renewable and biodegradable nature. This study investigates L12 matrix composites reinforced with Carica papaya fibers fabricated using the hand-layup method followed by compression molding. Several mechanical properties were experimentally analyzed, including Tensile strength (14.06 MPa), Flexural strength (45.02 MPa), Charpy impact strength (2.31 kJ/m2), Izod impact strength (29.81 kJ/m2), Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) (4.614 MPa), and Vickers hardness (20.75). The morphological studies indicate good fiber-matrix bonding with minimal void content, contributing to enhanced mechanical stability. The results suggest that this composite is particularly suitable for lightweight structural applications, such as spectacle frames, aesthetic covers for appliances, and interior components in the automotive and airline industries (dashboards and door cards). The combination of moderate tensile strength, flexural strength, impact resistance, and lightweight characteristics positions it as an alternative material to synthetic composites in decorative and semi-structural applications. Additionally, the use of Carica Papaya fibers makes them an environmentally sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers, especially in applications where reducing waste and carbon footprints is critical.